第２８９堀：ペッタンコの価値 (Part2)
"My status is a bit of a mess—technically, I have the royal blood of Zilba and Enaria, but for appearances, I'm just the leader of a hired mercenary group. I’m sure many fools think that makes me an easy target, or that they can get to my wives. Wai-chan is a monster who doesn't understand human speech, so that's fine. But my wives? They can talk, so some idiots might think they can persuade them, or worse, try to force themselves on you."
"We will slaughter them."
Every single one of Yuki-san's wives, myself included, answered in unison.
It was the only natural response. The only person allowed to do such things to us is Yuki-san.
"Hii!? W-what just happened!? The killing intent coming from Master Eris and Master Deryu is..."
"Ah, don't worry. I just told them that since there might be idiots trying to make a move on Yuki-san's wives, I’m leaving only Wai-chan behind to guard them."
"I see. Well, Master Eris and the others are beauties, after all. Though, trying to make a move on them sounds like a death wish to me."
Oops, I shouldn't scare Amanda.
The others seemed to notice as well, and the killing intent faded away.
"I’d be furious if anyone laid a hand on my wives, too. That’s why I want you all to stay together. If you’re together, even if some idiot tries something, you can back each other up. If you’re alone, you’d just want to blow them away, right?"
We all nodded in agreement.
Actually, we’d just slaughter them.
"Well, I know you can't be together 24/7, but make sure you move in groups of at least two. Absolutely no going off alone. In a sense, it’s business as usual. I don't think it'll come to this, but if you use this as an excuse to blow up the royal castle, that would be a huge headache."
So, he wants us to stick to him like glue.
That’s fine by me! I love doing that!
"Hmm, I see. I understand your feelings well, Brother. In that case, unlike usual, I shall take Jessica's place as your guard this time."
"Eh!?"
Jessica looked shocked at Ratz’s declaration.
"Don't be so surprised. You must be exhausted from guard duty all the time. I’ll take over while I’m in the royal capital."
She then smoothly wrapped her arms around Yuki-san’s.
"N-no, I’m fine, really!!"
"Oh, nonsense. Please, take it easy and relax."
Ah, Ratz is just teasing Jessica. I wish Jessica would get used to this sort of thing. She’s just too serious.
Then, Eris grabbed Yuki-san’s remaining arm...
"Ria, I’ll take over, so you go ahead and relax."
Huh?
I don't get it.
"Erisss!! That’s my spot!!"
"My, my. It’s common knowledge that a Hero’s role is to be a vanguard, not a permanent guard, isn't it?"
"No way!! I belong to Yuki-san!!"
Geez, even Eris is getting in on the fun. But if I let my guard down, she’ll seriously steal my spot as the guard this time. She’s even more troublesome than Ratz!
"Alright, alright, that’s enough bickering. It looks like the carriage has arrived."
"Indeed. Yuki-san and I have our honeymoon coming up later, where I can be thoroughly eaten... er, I mean, spend plenty of quality time together. So let’s get this business over with quickly."
As soon as Rurua said that, we all froze and immediately calmed down.
"...You lot are so fickle."
"So, Deryu, does that mean you don't want a honeymoon?"
"I absolutely refuse!!"
With that settled, we boarded the carriage and began our journey.
The rattling motion is nostalgic, but I prefer cars. My hips and lower back were starting to ache.
The windows were covered with curtains, so we couldn't see the cityscape, and we were taken straight to the royal castle.
According to Vixen-san, who was riding with us, if the faces of Amanda-sama and her party were revealed to the public, it would make sightseeing impossible, and it might attract people with unwanted intentions.
"Ugh... my hips hurt."
"...Same here. We’ve gotten too used to cars. Isn't there something we can do?"
"Yeah."
Jessica and I were sitting next to Yuki-san, rubbing our hips.
"...You should just make some magic cushions or something to deal with that. I didn't say anything because I thought you were doing it on purpose."
" "Ah." "
I see, so that’s why Yuki-san was talking so calmly with Vixen-san in the carriage.
We’ll do that next time.
"What is this 'magic cushion' you speak of?"
"Hmm, I'm interested."
"Ah, you two wouldn't know about that, would you?"